Transparent mounting strip

ABSTRACT

A structure for mounting lightweight articles to planar surfaces such as walls, corkboards, display boards and the like. The structure includes a strip fabricated from transparent material. A respective pin is embedded or attached at each end of the strip and extends from the undersurface thereof. The strip can be manufactured at various lengths to accommodate different sized articles and can be made in different colors to accommodate aesthetic tastes. The strip can be relatively stiff or highly flexible depending on intended use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/759,619, filed Jan. 18, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to support structures. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a strip for fastening lightweight articles to planar surfaces.

2. Description of the Related Art

Mounting favorite photographs, children's drawings, postcards and similar lightweight articles to walls or bulletin boards often presents problems in that many presently-used mounting structures obscure a portion of the mounted article or worse, cause damage to the article. The art would certainly welcome a mounting structure that can be easily and quickly attached to a planar surface to support a desired article without marring or obscuring the article.

The related art is rife with mounting means for photographs, postcards, pictures and the like. Pertinent examples of such related art are cited and identified in the accompanying IDS. However, none of the cited and identified related art discloses a transparent mounting structure as will subsequently be described and claimed in the instant invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, to be dubbed Picture Tacs, incorporates a structure for mounting articles to planar surfaces such as walls, corkboards, display boards and the like. In its basic form, the invention comprises a strip fabricated from transparent material. A respective pin is embedded or attached at each end of the strip and extends from the undersurface thereof. The strip can be manufactured at various lengths to accommodate different sized articles and can be made in different colors to accommodate aesthetic tastes. The strip can be relatively stiff or highly flexible depending on intended use. The strip can also incorporate gripping portions positioned on its upper surface.

Accordingly, the invention presents mounting structures that allow for the display of lightweight articles without fear of damage or obstruction. As contemplated, the invention is usable in the home or office. Professional artists and photographers can also find use for the mounting structures. The structures are fabricated from transparent material and are designed to effect quick and easy mounting. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

A clear understanding of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a transparent mounting strip according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a transparent mounting strip according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a transparent mounting strip according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a transparent mounting strip according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 wherein the mounting strips of the present invention are generally indicated at 10. Strips 10 are utilized to mount a CD case 12 for display. As shown, CD case 12 is mounted to a corkboard or bulletin board 14. As indicated above, the strips can be employed to mount a variety of articles.

A first embodiment of a strip 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Strip 10 is fabricated from a relatively stiff, transparent material having an upper surface 16 and an undersurface 16 a. The ends of the strip are defined at 16 b and 16 c. The transparent head of a respective pin or tack 18 is embedded adjacent each end of the strip and extends from undersurface 16 a. Tack 18 terminates in a sharp point 18 a.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 is similar to that of FIG. 2 except that the pins or tacks 20 protrude through upper surface 16. Each tack 20 has a substantially flat top, which top can be inscribed or otherwise provided with a design, logo, trademark, etc. thereon. Each tack is provided with a tiny lip 20 a to provide for enhanced manipulation of strips 10.

As best seen in FIG. 4, strip 10 is fabricated from a material and can be easily flexed as opposed to the relatively stiff material disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 3. It is obvious that both embodiments could employ either flexible or relatively stiff material depending on intended use.

To use, the user partially inserts the pins into the planar surface of the wall or board, places the edges of the article beneath the strip between the pins and pushes the pins in the wall or board to secure the article thereon.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A device for mounting articles on a planar surface comprising: a transparent strip, said transparent strip having an upper surface, an under surface, a first end and a second end; a first tack, said first tack having a head positioned adjacent said first end of said transparent strip said first tack terminating in a point extending from said undersurface; and a second tack, said second tack having a head positioned adjacent said second end of said transparent strip said second tack terminating in a point extending from said undersurface.
 2. The device for mounting articles on a planar surface according to claim 1, wherein said transparent strip is fabricated from a relatively stiff material.
 3. The device for mounting articles on a planar surface according to claim 1, wherein said transparent strip is fabricated from a highly flexible material.
 4. The device for mounting articles on a planar surface according to claim 1, wherein the head of said first tack and the head of said second tack are embedded in said transparent strip.
 5. The device for mounting articles on a planar surface according to claim 1, wherein the head of said first tack and the head of said second tack are disposed above the upper surface of said transparent strip.
 6. A device for mounting articles on a planar surface comprising: a transparent strip, said transparent strip having an upper surface, an under surface, a first end and a second end; a first tack, said first tack having a head fabricated from transparent material, said head of said first tack embedded in said first end of said transparent strip said first tack terminating in a point extending from said undersurface; and a second tack, said second tack having a head fabricated from transparent material, said head of said second tack embedded in said second end of said transparent strip said second tack terminating in a point extending from said undersurface.
 7. The device for mounting articles on a planar surface according to claim 6, wherein said transparent strip is fabricated from a relatively stiff material.
 8. The device for mounting articles on a planar surface according to claim 6, wherein said transparent strip is fabricated from a highly flexible material.
 9. A device for mounting articles on a planar surface comprising: a transparent strip, said transparent strip having an upper surface, an under surface, a first end and a second end; a first tack, said first tack having a head fabricated from transparent material, said head of said first tack positioned on said upper surface at said first end of said transparent strip, said first tack terminating in a point extending from said undersurface; and a second tack, said second tack having a head fabricated from transparent material, said head of said second tack positioned on said upper surface at said second end of said transparent strip said second tack terminating in a point extending from said undersurface.
 10. The device for mounting articles on a planar surface according to claim 9, wherein the head of said first tack and the head of said second tack are substantially flat and wherein a respective lip is formed under the head of said first tack and under the head of said second tack.
 11. The device for mounting articles on a planar surface according to claim 10, wherein said transparent strip is fabricated from a relatively stiff material.
 12. The device for mounting articles on a planar surface according to claim 10, wherein said transparent strip is fabricated from a highly flexible material. 